WALK TALK

Group fitness has gone through many changes since the aerobics classes of the early 80's (which is exactly when the Walk fitness program that started Walk 15 began)!

The role of the group fitness instructor has also changed...Instructors are considered "ambassadors" of WELLNESS in their communities. Students look to them for guidance that they'll use during the work out, but also as they walk out the door after class!

Great energy and motivation still bring people into classes...studies show students want that, and more from an Instructor:

1. Education: people want to be sure the Instructor is certified, can run an effective and safe class, and keeps up to date on the latest fitness information, by staying connected to a support group, which is why Walk 15 has the Walk Instructor Network (WIN) as a support hub!

2. Communication skills: verbal and non-verbal communication is key to building confidence and community in a group fitness class. This is great for helping people reach their goals.

3. Leadership skills: everything from being welcomed to class, to keeping everyone on the same during class, an Instructor is a group exercise leader-who works to keep everyone involved. The instructor is also a role model for healthy lifestyle. 4. A Motivator: what keeps class members coming back to class? The energy of the instructor helps keep students motivated! When passion comes through, it's magnetic! People can sense when someone genuinely cares about helping them better their lives, and they're drawn to that person.

After gathering this information, it made me want to ask our Walk 15 Instructors WHY they decided to become certified with our program...their answers make me so happy!

Why did YOU become a Walk 15 Instructor?

"I've always wanted to be an Intructor to show people just how simple and fun losing weight can be....and here I am!!" -Jenn Thompson, (lost weight with the Walk at Home program)Lakewood, Colorado

"To keep myself motivated and to help others with their fitness journey."-Rachel DeVaughnRoanoke, Virginia

"To share the joy of movement!❤️❤️❤️"-Kate ZabotkaMadison County, Illinois

"Why? Because I have been exercising my entire life- tried everything. [This]is the only fitness program that made sense to me, that I really enjoyed... I had the opportunity to take over some fitness classes for my aerobics teacher (at our local school), and teaching WALK15 [has been] the perfect solution for folks that gave up on fitness because: it's too hard, not enjoyable, too expensive, and not sustainable for long term. For that 1 hour, we are all moving our bodies, sweating, laughing, singing to the music, and forgetting about our troubles. It's a good thing😉"-Barb PandoLevittown, New York​"I have shared Walk at Home with so many people through out the years and when I finally had the opportunity to become a walk 15 instructor I had to do it!"-Nicole Mason ParksNew York, New York

"To spread HAPPINESS to my local communities!"-Karen UlrichStow, Ohio

"I've been a dedicated fan and follower since the very beginning. It's the only fitness program that makes me HAPPY as well as healthy and now I love sharing it with others. Seeing their smiles makes it all worthwhile!"-Cheryl KeimRotonda, Florida

"I wanted to share everything I experience through this program - the mental, emotional and spiritual benefits, the pure JOY, the inner strength & confidence, the self worth... pure GOLD."-Nancy EhleCalgary, Canada

"I want to help people move to improve!"-Kim DunnBrownstown Charter Township, Michigan

"I became a Walk Instructor so I could share my fitness journey and impact as many people as possible availing them of this walking based program!"-Chery JanusekPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"To help others, especially seniors, understand that moving, being healthy and having fun could all be accomplished through one Amazing workout called Walk 15!"-Laura Schick-CormierNewburgh, New York

---------------​If group fitness is new to you, know that making the time to find a class and an instructor that "fit" your energy is worth the effort! Being able to look forward to a workout that doesn't feel like work is a blessing!